Q1 2024 Newsletter | Pierce Group Benefits

QUARTERLY COMMUNIQUE

A PEEK INSIDE THIS EDITION 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey Insights Mental Health and Wellness Resources Microsoft Outlook Tips for Increased Productivity 2024 Limits to Know Musculoskeletal Care & moviHealth

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FEATURED

Insights from the 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey In its 25th year, the 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey provides a comprehensive analysis of employer-sponsored health coverage, offering valuable insights into premiums, employee contributions, and employer practices. Conducted through 2,133 interviews with non-federal public and private firms, this survey sheds light on the evolving landscape of employer health benefits.

Key Findings: Cost of Health Insurance Annual Premiums Coverage Type

Premiums (Average)

Single Coverage: Small Firms (3-199 workers)

Small Firms: $8,722

vs. Large Firms (200 or more workers)

Large Firms: $8,321 Small Firms: $23,621

Family Coverage: Small Firms (3-199 workers) vs. Large Firms (200 or more workers)

Large Firms: $24,104 Single Coverage: $7,753

HDHP/SO Premiums

Family Coverage: $22,344 Single Coverage: $8,906

PPO Premiums

Family Coverage: $25,228 Private For-Profit: $8,078

Single Coverage Premiums by Firm Type

Public: $8,771 Private Not-for-Profit: $9,023 Single coverage: $8,435

Average Annual Premium for EmployerSponsored Health Insurance in 2023

Family coverage: $23,968

Premium Distribution: • There’s considerable variation in premiums, with 18% of covered workers at firms paying at least 20% higher premiums than the average.

• For family coverage, 18% of covered workers are at firms with premiums at least 20% higher than the average Cont. »

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Insights from the 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey (Cont.)

Premium Changes Over Time: • Average premiums for both single and family coverage increased by 7% in 2023.

• Since 2018, average premiums have grown by 22%, aligning with the growth in the previous five years.

Premium Growth Rates: • Over the past five years, family premiums grew 22%, keeping pace with the inflation rate (21%).

• The average family premium outpaced inflation over the last ten years, growing by 47% compared to 30%.

Premiums vs. Wage Growth: • Family premiums grew 7% in 2023, while wages grew by 5.2%.

• Over the last ten years, family premiums and wages grew at comparable rates (47% vs. 42%).

Insights into Mental Health and Substance Use Services Concerns Persist: • 88% of large employers offering health benefits claim to have enough primary care doctors, but only 59% and 58% feel the same about their mental health and substance use networks.

Steps Taken: • 18% of large offering firms took measures in the past year to increase mental health providers in their largest plan’s network, including 44% of the largest employers (5,000+ workers).

Limitations: • 21% of large offering employers report limits on covered mental health services, potentially restricting access for those with long-term needs.

Additional Insights: • Offer Rate: Nearly all employers with at least 200 workers offer health benefits.

• Dental, Vision, and Long-Term Care: Among firms offering health benefits, 91% offer dental coverage, 82% offer vision insurance, and 26% offer long-term care insurance.

The 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey underscores the intricate balancing act employers face in providing robust health coverage while navigating the complexities of cost management. The insights obtained from this survey serve as a compass for both employers and providers, guiding efforts to foster a healthcare landscape that is not only sustainable but also prioritizes the holistic well-being of the workforce.

Written by Kaleb Johnson Kaleb is the Marketing Strategist for Pierce Group Benefits, responsible for developing and analyzing content to optimize the company’s marketing initiatives across multiple platforms. Kaleb joined the team in May 2023, bringing with him insurance experience, as well as a degree in marketing and an MBA.

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WELLNESS CORNER

Mental Health and Wellness Resources Regardless of what the day or week may bring, take this moment to pause and explore the variety of resources below designed to help you prioritize your mental health and wellbeing.

WorkLife with Adam Grant: A TED original podcast

Support in Challenging Times: Guided Video Playlist by Headspace

Wellness Calendar: Tips & Resources from Aetna

Learn how to love feedback, harness the power of frustrat ion, and transform the way you view your job/career.

Video resources for those s, experiencing challenging time and dealing with anger, f. sadness, uncertainty, and grie

Stay connected each month for a range of health informa tion and resources, and well-being tips to help you live well.

Watch Here

Learn More

Mental Health Resources & Tools Provided by the CDC

Happify App: Science-Based Activities & Games

Art for Wellbeing by The Royal Collection Trust

Free and confidential resource s that can connect you or a love d one with a skilled, trained mental health professional.

A free self-care app developed by mental health uce professionals to help you red and alleviate stress and worry.

During busy or stressful periods , engaging in simple, playful and intuitive art activities can fost er mindfulness and relaxation.

Learn More

Download Here

Learn More

Listen Here

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TIPS & TRICKS

Microsoft Outlook Tips to Improve Productivity & Inbox Management

Microsoft Outlook is a powerful tool that can help you manage your workload efficiently. In this section, we cover some helpful life hacks to maximize your productivity and get the most out of your email management.

Create folders to manage your tasks: Organizing your emails using folders is a highly effective Outlook tip, as it enables you to categorize messages and eliminate unnecessary clutter, resulting in a more streamlined and manageable inbox. Once these folders are established, you can even set up rules that automatically sort incoming messages for you (see next tip below).

How to create Folders 1.

In the navigation pane, right-click Folders, and then select Create new folder.

2.

In the Name box, enter a name for the folder and press Enter.

Create Outlook rules to automatically sort your emails: Outlook rules come in handy for email management, automating the sorting of incoming emails to the appropriate folder.

How to create Rules 1.

Right-click the email you want to create a rule for, and then select Advanced actions > Create rule.

2.

By default, Outlook will prompt you to create a rule to move emails from the sender to a designated folder. To customize your rule, click More options in the Create a rule window, and then click OK.

In the Rules window, you have a variety of ways to customize your email rule: • Name your rule: Give your rule a clear and concise name, so you can easily understand what it does.

• Add a condition: Choose the criteria the email must meet for the rule to run. This can include the sender’s name or email address.

• Add an action: Indicate what happens to the email if it meets the specified condition. Outlook provides three main action categories: Organize, Mark Message, and Route.

Cont. » 3.

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Microsoft Outlook Tips to Improve Productivity & Inbox Management 1.

2.

3.

. . .

5.

Once you’re ready, check the box beside Run rule now, and then click Save.

4.

If you’ve created multiple rules, you can also check Stop processing more rules to instruct Outlook to ignore subsequent rules, even if they would normally apply to the email.

Categorize your emails with labels: Another effective technique is to categorize your emails with labels.

How to create a Category Label 1.

To create a category label, click the button beside the Categorize icon, which looks like a gift tag, and then click New category.

2.

Give your category a name, pick a label color, and then click Save.

Use shortcut keys: Shortcut keys are valuable tools for crafting, checking, organizing, and responding to emails faster and more efficient!

Shortcuts to know • • • • • •

Use Ctrl + R Keys (reply to an email) Use Ctrl + Shift + M Keys (create a new email) Use Ctrl + 1 (open an email) Use Ctrl + 2 (open calendar) Use Ctrl + 3 (access contacts list) Use Ctrl + 4 (open tasks)

Reuse frequent messages with email templates: If you find yourself regularly sending the same or similar email messages to different recipients, streamlining your communication is made easy by creating email templates in Outlook. This not only saves you time but also ensures consistency and professionalism in your messaging, enabling you to leave a memorable impression with your correspondences.

Creating email templates 1.

To create an email template, click New Email and type your message, leaving the subject line and recipient fields blank.

2.

Then, go to File > Save As. Name the file and save the email as an Outlook Template in the default folder.

Cont. »

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TIPS & TRICKS

Microsoft Outlook Tips to Improve Productivity & Inbox Management 1.

2.

3.

...

To use the template, click on New Items from your Home tab. Select More Items > Choose Form, and change the Look In field to User Templates in File System. There, you can select and use an email template you’ve previously created.

Unlocking Efficiency Implementing these Microsoft Outlook tips will boost your productivity and simplify inbox management. By creating folders, setting rules, categorizing emails, using shortcut keys, and employing email templates, you can organize your Outlook experience for greater efficiency, saving time and reducing clutter. Stay tuned for additional tips and tricks in our second-quarter newsletter to enhance your productivity further.

Written by Maddie Fansler Maddie Fansler is the Production Specialist for Pierce Group Benefits. She assists with an array of Marketing tasks and requests, in addition to fielding print-related inquiries and orders. Maddie joined the team in March of 2022, bringing both in-field experience and a degree in Graphic Arts & Imaging Technology.

TRENDING NEWS

2024 Limits to Know In 2024, notable adjustments in benefit plan limits offer individuals and families enhanced financial flexibility.

Key changes include an increase in the 401(k) pretax contribution limit, higher Health Savings Account (HSA) limits for both single and family coverage, and adjustments in High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) limits, impacting minimum deductibles and maximum outof-pocket costs. Additionally, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributors have a revised allocation limit. Staying informed about these updates is essential for effective financial planning in the upcoming year.

Created by Andrew Marnielli Andrew is the Video/Audio Specialist for Pierce Group Benefits, responsible for capturing, creating and finalizing Marketing Materials for educational and informational purposes. Andrew joined the team in July 2023, bringing with him years of freelance Videography experience and a degree in Mass Communications.

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KNOW YOUR BENEFITS

Musculoskeletal Care & moviHealth, a New Employee Benefit Provided by AssuredPartners According to the Bone and Joint Initiative USA, nearly 1 in 2 Americans over the age of 18—or 124 million people— have a musculoskeletal disorder. And, according to OSHA,

What are musculoskeletal disorders?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) refer to a variety of conditions that affect your joints, bones, and muscles.

According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 150 conditions that are considered MSDs, the most common being osteoarthritis, back and neck pain, fractures, and systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).

Some MSDs, like sprains, strains, and fractures, are short-term conditions. Others, like arthritis, widespread pain disorders and inflammatory diseases, are long-term or lifelong conditions.

What are the symptoms of MSDs? Each MSD will present itself differently. In some cases, symptoms are mild and manageable. In other cases, symptoms interfere with daily tasks, such as walking or writing.

Common symptoms of MSDs can include: • Recurring pain • Stiff or weak joints • Noises in joints • Swelling • Dull aches • Decreased range of motion • Muscle weakness or atrophy • Redness These symptoms can occur in any part of your musculoskeletal system, including your neck, back, hips, legs, and arms.

How can MSDs be treated?

Treatment for an MSD will vary based on the condition itself, but may involve physical therapy, rest, medication, or surgery.

Employees can also take advantage of the newest employee benefit being offered by AssuredPartners: moviHealth, a new way to care for and relieve muscle and joint aches, pains, and strains at no additional cost to you! moviHealth leverages a nationwide network of Doctors of Physical Therapy to provide members with immediate diagnoses and personalized care plans via one-onone in-clinic or virtual appointments.

For more information and to enroll, click here.

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Congratulations and THANK YOU for your commitment, determination, and contributions. Get to know our PGB All-Stars below!

CHRIS GIANNELL DIRECTOR, SPECIALTY DIVISION

Chris Giannell is the Director of the Specialty Division and has a decade of experience as a seasoned insurance professional. He started his journey with Pierce Group Benefits as a client at New Hanover County Schools. Inspired by leaders like Chris Pierce and David Charland, he embraced the mission of serving those who serve others. Chris takes pride in being a part of PGB and values the camaraderie within a team dedicated to a shared purpose. He has a background in education and non-profits, so PGB’s mission is personal to him. When he is not working on innovative solutions to help clients, Chris enjoys cooking up ideas for a Miyabi Jr. restaurant empire with the Specialty Division’s Data Analyst, Adam Main. Outside of work, Chris enjoys playing poker, hunting for rare bourbons, and watching football and stand-up comedy. His ideal day off involves having brunch and spending quality time outdoors with his family while sharing a laugh with his daughter.

Chris lives and exemplifies our core values of innovation and passion. His countless innovative ideas and the implementation of them have a wide-reaching positive impact to our clients and the company.

- David Charland, President of Employee

ADAM MAIN DATA ANALYST

Adam Main is a skilled Data Analyst in the Specialty Division, known for his exceptional analytical abilities essential to his role as a data professional. Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from North Carolina State University and has worked in the insurance industry for about two years. He initially joined PGB from June 2019 to October 2020 and returned in June 2023. His passion for data is evident in his love for the statistical aspects of his job, particularly in creating insightful metrics for company key performance indicators (KPIs) and gaining new insights into the business’s functioning. One fun fact about Adam is that he won his school’s spelling bee in the 4th-grade, which sparked his lifelong love for learning.

Adam is a dedicated sports and thrifting enthusiast, occasionally playing rounds of golf or disc golf on his days off. For him, a fun day would involve a delicious lunch, preferably from Miyabi Jr., exploring record stores, and spending time with friends.

Adam’s fierce determination and multi-faceted skill set, along with his dedication to serving our clients, are matched only by his love for eclectic tunes and Miyabi Jr. He is adored by our clients and has been a true pleasure to work with.

- Chris Giannell, Director, Specialty Division

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Mary Helen, the Marketing Production Lead in the Marketing Department, has two and a half

years of experience in the insurance industry. Thriving in her team’s collaborative environment, she embraces diverse tasks that leverage her graphic design and marketing skills. Holding a bachelor’s degree in child development with a concentration in middle-grade studies from

Appalachian State University, she previously held positions in marketing and event planning for youth education programming before joining PGB. Mary Helen’s background in education has

allowed her to develop marketing materials that resonate with many clients’ employees working in schools. Complementing her academic achievements, she holds a certificate in non-profit

management from Duke University and serves as a Public Notary. Beyond work, Mary Helen enjoys quality time with loved ones, embraces her role as a new mom, and indulges in creative projects.

Her ideal day off includes a relaxing stroll at the neighborhood park with her baby and dogs,

MARY HELEN FENNELL-MORGAN MARKETING PRODUCTION LEAD

followed by working on watercolor paintings.

Mary Helen is our creative genius. You’ll find her using her highly diverse set of creative marketing skills to assist in leading the team, managing enrollment and request production, in addition to all things design and branding. Her passion for and commitment to her position, PGB, our clients, and their employees are beyond appreciated and extremely admirable. She wears many hats, and you likely already know her from working on a variety of marketing requests and projects.

- Deja Holley, Director of Marketing

Maddie, the Print Production Specialist in the Marketing Department, has been working in the insurance industry since March 2022. Her enthusiasm for the job is fueled by the abundance of learning and growth opportunities, making each workday an exciting experience. Maddie cherishes her Marketing team members, who have evolved into a close-knit work family.

With an associate degree in graphic arts and imaging technology, Maddie brings a solid foundation to her role, showcasing not only her comprehensive understanding of design principles but also her exceptional graphic design skills. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with loved ones, playing board games, exploring new music, being a devoted dog mom, and indulging in her passion for travel and diverse cuisines. Maddie’s ideal day off involves relaxation, delicious snacks, and a movie marathon with her fiancé.

MADELINE FANSLER PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

Maddie is our benefits guide guru. You’ll find her using her print production and selftaught creative skills to produce, digitally publish, and print physical copies of this vital enrollment resource for our clients’ employees. In Fall 2023, she single-handedly produced over 100 benefits guides. Additionally, Maddie handles a variety of printrelated marketing requests, such as business cards, placemats, and flyers.

- Deja Holley, Director of Marketing

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NEW EMPLOYEE WELCOME Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to our newest team member — congratulations and welcome, we look forward to working with and getting to know you!

Jim Dubovec Producer

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BIRTHDAYS

January s!

Birthday

Devin Draman - January 1st Brett Hooker - January 1st Olivia Branch - January 3rd Donna Ross - January 7th Liz Laux - January 7th Cori Rozentals - January 13th Emily Seger - January 26th Wes Guzman - January 29th Jeff Lipack - January 30th Vikki Tollefsen - February 7th Anna Mosback - February 5th Annie Snyder - February 6th Janean Kilgore - February 8th Jill Pestun - February 12th Etoria Hill - February 13th Janna Smith - February 15th

March

Birthdays!

Vicki Hale - March 1st Amanda Keim - March 3rd Josh Hutchins - March 6th Raquel Bootes - March 16th Maddie Fansler - March 22nd Ty Gainey - March 25th Nancy Truett - March 25th Kerri Gilliam - March 27th Nichole Cayia - March 29th Anna Stam - March 31st Bethany Yarbrough - March 31st

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Febr uary Birth days !

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WORKAVERSARIES

Be it your first year or your tenth year, THANK YOU for the work you do for Pierce Group Benefits, our clients, and their employees and families!

CELEBRATING 1-3 YEARS! Donna St. Claire, Benefits Counselor - Congratulations on 1 year!

Brett Hooker, Producer - Congratulations on 1 year!

Monserat Hernandez, Benefit Analyst - Congratulations on 1 year!

Anna Mosback, Account Executive Admin - Congratulations on 1 year!

Janna Smith, Dir. of Enrollment and Product Development - Congratulations on 2 years!

Karina Branch, Account Executive - Congratulations on 2 years!

Maddie Fansler, Production Specialist - Congratulations on 2 years!

Emily Seger, Account Executive - Congratulations on 2 years!

Bethany Yarbrough, Account Executive - Congratulations on 2 years!

Deja Holley, Director of Marketing - Congratulations on 3 years!

Vicki Hale, Service Specialist - Congratulations on 3 years!

Diane Remes, Enrollment Technician - Congratulations on 3 years!

Jeff Lipack, Technical Support Specialist - Congratulations on 3 years!

Anna Stam, Account Executive - Congratulations on 3 years!

Ty Gainey, Senior Producer - Congratulations on 3 years!

Sharon Borden, Producer - Congratulations on 3 years!

CELEBRATING 4-6 YEARS! Josh Hutchinson, Senior EDI Analyst - Congratulations on 4 years!

Lisa Bledsoe, Accounting Assistant - Congratulations on 4 years!

Lori Kozlowski-McNamara, Senior Benefit Analyst III - Congratulations on 4 years!

Liz Laux, Finance Analyst - Congratulations on 5 years!

Michelle Gunter, Account Executive - Congratulations on 5 years!

Sharla Gillespie, Administrative Assistant - Congratulations on 5 years!

Jill Pestun, Senior Benefit Analyst II - Congratulations on 6 years!

Veronica Rimblas, Service Specialist - Congratulations on 6 years!

Michelle Chayka, Executive Assistant - Congratulations on 6 years!

CELEBRATING 7-10 YEARS! Chris Giannell, Director, Specialty Division - Congratulations on 7 years!

Becky McKee, Senior Service Specialist - Congratulations on 9 years!

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“DON’T WORRY ABOUT FAILURES, WORRY ABOUT THE CHANCES YOU MISS WHEN YOU DON’T EVEN TRY.” - JACK CANFIELD